Athletic Trainers as Physician Extenders:

Athletic Trainers as Physician Extenders ATHLETIC TRAINERS WORKING IN PRIMARY CARE The skills of the AT can be substantially utilized not only in the orthopedic setting but even more so in the primary care setting. Athletic trainers are useful because they can assist physicians with patients seeking help with orthopedic issues. This enables the physician to see upwards of seven other non-orthopedic cases in a day. FUNCTIONS OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINER IN PRIMARY CARE Orthopedic evaluation Triage Home exercise prescription Treatment Sports physicals Brace fitting Lumbopelvic and foot biomechanical exams Patient education Follow-up care

St. John’s Sports Medicine Health Tracks: HISTORY (THEN):

St. John’s Sports Medicine Health Tracks: HISTORY (THEN) HISTORY OF PHYSICIAN EXTENDER MODEL AT ST. JOHN’S SPORTS MEDICINE The physician extender model was started in 1996 by a pediatrician who teamed with an athletic trainer. Initial team was composed of: Pediatrician Nurse Practitioner Two Registered Nurses One Athletic Trainer

Pediatric Physician Extender Job Description:

Pediatric Physician Extender Job Description Provide services that identify, prevent, remediate and rehabilitate acute or prolonged physical dysfunction or pain which arise from sports related activities Such treatment encompasses evaluation and analysis of patients and therapeutic application of physical and chemical agents, exercise and other procedures to maximize safe return to activities. Ensure professional and technical operation of business unit and that all policies and procedures are followed on a day-to-day basis Responsible for the overall management of the business unit in accordance with system initiatives: communication, customer service, quality assurance and community health care

My Company Hired Me Because…:

My Company Hired Me Because… “I hired an athletic trainer because I needed someone with the same knowledge as myself in sports medicine, but who also had a comprehensive skill set. “With the size of my patient practice, the health care of my patient encompasses a team approach. Athletic trainers are an essential part of that team. “This team approach is the most efficient method to administer care in any healthcare practice.” - Bernard Griesemer, M.D. Pediatrician Board Certified in Sports Medicine American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness

A Day at the Office:

A Day at the Office MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2007 84 pediatric visits 53 for physician 31 for nurse practitioner 18 rehab patients Divided four athletic trainers 50 strength and conditioning patients Divided among two strength & conditioning specialists 152 total patients The AT saves the physician time by helping increase patient load through the day. It takes 42 minutes for a full orthopedic exam. When an athletic trainer assists, the physician can see approximately seven other patients. This is because the AT provides a comprehensive orthopedic exam with exercise prescription.

The Major Issues:

The Major Issues Justification of your salary How you produce revenue Billing at your clinic How you benefit the physician .

Making it in a Managed Care Environment :

Making it in a Managed Care Environment Chasing the healthcare dollar has become more and more difficult. The idea is to justify our existence by continuing to produce revenue. The Team Medicine is the most efficient and profitable approach to medicine. Who makes up the team? Physician(s) Athletic Trainers Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants Registered Dietitians Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, & Medical Assistants Front Office

Performance Enhancement Program Integration <a quick side note>:

Performance Enhancement Program Integration <a quick side note> Our performance enhancement program initially began not only to improve sports performance but primarily as an injury prevention program. The program is set up to start at age 11 through college age. In order to be successful, your program must diversify to include relationships with many already established organizations. Our success story include relationships with: Public Schools Area Universities Parks Department Club Teams Community Olympic Development Program

Key Resources to Learn More!:

Key Resources to Learn More! First and foremost is - seeking advice from colleagues is a MUST. I utilize the NATA for most professional improvements but have found the NSCA and NASM as great organizations to aid in my personal and professional improvement. Finally, I have a great group of co-workers that also push me to think outside the box.